Tips and Tricks for the Freewheel Competition

Way back in 2011 Terry wrote this helpful document. It contains many pearls of wisdom to give you a competitive edge for this Wednesday.

Wayfarers Freewheel Competition

The Wayfarers fwc (free wheel competition) is held annually about this time and this year will be held on Wed 11th October (as publicised in The Sou’Wester).

A few thoughts before the event.

In ideal conditions of no wind (but tail wind would obviously help), the smaller personal frontal area the better, less wind resistance means you travel quicker and consequently further.

So – any forward-facing hemispherical protuberances e.g. caused by consumption of vast quantities of alcoholic beverages could create a disturbance to the airflow around you, thus affecting your distance travelled, so either get rid of them or, probably easier, try and smoothly blend them in.

Owners of a large proboscis should keep ‘eyes front’ – unless there is a side wind, in which case try to turn the head 90° (to reduce area exposed to the wind).

Any helmetless follicly challenged person could take advantage of the situation by a light application of Cherry Blossom (or similar) light tan polish.

Conversely, anyone with excessive facial follicles should seriously consider appearing clean shaven for the event (and hopefully remaining so) – if an award winner, proof of identity will be required.

Polish (or, at least, clean), front forks and head tube.

Ensure the lever of quick release wheels is horizontal.

On the day – head down, tyre pressures up, one eye looking for pot-holes, one eye looking for tractors, one eye analysing the road ahead and selecting the optimum route, think thin (unless it’s a tailwind), cranks horizontal – and – good luck.

See you at the bottom of the hill.

Terry